Erling Haaland wrote his name in the history books with a landmark strike during Manchester City’s FA Cup win at Bournemouth.
The Norwegian striker found the net just after half time to draw Man City level in their FA Cup quarter final clash with the Cherries – a match that they went on to win 2-1.
Haaland slotted him from close range after some fine work from substitute Nico O’Reilly, who laid the ball on a plate for him with a low cross from the left.
It was Haaland’s 30th goal of the season, an effort that saw him join an elite club.
In finding the net, Haaland became the first player in 21 years to score more 30 or more goals in all competitions in each of their first three seasons while playing for a Premier League club.
The last man to achieve such a feat was Ruud van Nistelrooy who scored 30+ goals in three consecutive seasons in 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2003/04 after arriving at Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven.
Despite finding his way into the record books, it wasn’t an afternoon that will be fondly remembered for the Norwegian hitman.
Haaland had an opportunity to give Man City the perfect start when Tyler Adams handballed in the penalty area.
Stepping up to take the kick, the striker’s effort was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Evanilson then gave Bournemouth the lead at half time, before Haaland’s equaliser.
But just as the 24-year-old was starting to look more like his usual confident self, Haaland suffered an injury to his ankle which forced him off.
After going to ground, the striker hobbled off the pitch at the Vitality Stadium to be replaced by Omar Marmoush.
GettyHe was consoled by Pep Guardiola on his way off the pitch[/caption]
Guardiola when asked about Haaland injury: “I don’t know yet, we’ll have to see.”
Thankfully for City, Marmoush was on his game and linked up with super-sub O’Reilly to put Pep Guardiola‘s side 2-1 up on the south coast.
Fully in control, City saw out the tie and set up a clash with Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley next month.
Eliminated from the League Cup and Champions League, the FA Cup represents the last opportunity for Man City to win a trophy before this summer’s Club World Cup.
While still mathematically able to win the Premier League, City are 22 points behind current leaders Liverpool who are firmly in control in the title race.
Sitting fifth in the table, Guardiola’s side will be focused on qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
But in terms of silverware, City will be hoping to secure a trophy.
Should they fail to do so, it’ll be the first season since 2017 that they’ve failed to claim a major honour.
